Peer-Related Factors as Moderators between Overt and Social Victimization and Adjustment Outcomes in Early Adolescence
- PDF / 831,333 Bytes
- 12 Pages / 595.276 x 790.866 pts Page_size
- 34 Downloads / 204 Views
EMPIRICAL RESEARCH
Peer-Related Factors as Moderators between Overt and Social Victimization and Adjustment Outcomes in Early Adolescence Jill M. Swirsky
1
●
Hongling Xie1
1234567890();,:
1234567890();,:
Received: 20 May 2020 / Accepted: 1 September 2020 © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2020
Abstract Peer victimization is a pervasive problem for early adolescents, yet not all victims experience the same adjustment difficulties. The prominence of peer social relationships during adolescence suggests that peer-related factors (e.g., peer support) may be important for victim outcomes. This study investigated the moderating effects of three peer-related factors (peer support, peer preference, and social status) on the association between peer victimization (overt and social) and adjustment outcomes (loneliness and aggression) using a longitudinal design. Self-report and peer nomination data were collected from 321 participants from three middle schools in the Northeastern United States during the fall and spring of seventh grade (Mage = 13.01; 49% African American, 31% White, 19% Hispanic). The findings suggest that peer-related factors contribute to victim outcomes. Both forms of victimization were positively associated with loneliness under high peer preference and were negatively associated with aggression under low peer preference. Sex differences were also noted. Overt victimization was associated with decreased aggression only among girls under low peer preference, low peer support, or high social status. The findings suggest that parents, school officials, and mental health professionals should consider peerrelated factors in providing support for victims, especially female victims. Keywords
Peer victimization Peer support Peer preference Social status Loneliness Aggression ●
●
Introduction Peer victimization can be defined as “the receipt of an intentional act of aggression by similar-aged peers, which is perceived by the victim as harmful” (Casper and Card 2017, p. 466). Between 30 and 60% of adolescents report at least one experience with victimization, and rates of chronic victimization range from 6 to 15% (Card and Hodges 2008). Peer victimization is associated with a wide range of internalizing (Reijntjes et al. 2010) and externalizing (Reijntjes et al. 2011) outcomes. However, there is variability in victims’ adjustment (Singh and Bussey 2011), suggesting the existence of moderating factors which may protect against or exacerbate victim outcomes. Previous
●
●
●
research focuses on individual factors associated with victim outcomes (e.g., coping strategies, Kochenderfer-Ladd and Skinner 2002). However, an adolescent’s friendships or peer social support can reduce chances of victimization and alleviate the negative impact (Hodges et al. 1999). Given the various facets of peer relationships, this study examined the moderating effects of three peer-related factors (peer support, peer preference, and social status) on outcomes (loneliness and aggression) of peer victimi
Data Loading...
